• Key of Bb
• Dark Rich and Smooth Sound Performance
  
• Recognized by professional ophicleide players

An ophicleide is a keyed brass musical instrument that was invented in 1817 by French instrument maker Jean Hilaire Asté. It’s considered a predecessor to the modern tuba and was widely used in orchestras and military bands during the 19th century before being largely replaced by the tuba and euphonium. The name comes from Greek roots—"ophis" (serpent) and "kleis" (key)—reflecting its snake-like shape and the keys used to play it.

The ophicleide has a conical bore and a cupped mouthpiece similar to other brass instruments like the trumpet or trombone. and it comes in various sizes, with the bass ophicleide in C or B♭ being the most common. Its sound is rich, powerful, and somewhat reedy, which made it a favorite for composers like Berlioz, Mendelssohn, and Verdi in works such as Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. If you’re curious about how it sounds, there are recordings online — think of it as a tuba with a bit more bite and a lot more quirks. 

Today, purchasing an ophicleide is necessary for historically informed performance (HIP) practitioners, as its distinctive, focused timbre irreplaceably captures the leaner, more nimble bass brass sound of 19th-century repertoire, unlike the broader tuba often substituted in modern orchestras, which dilutes Berlioz's intended "snarling" effects; it's essential for authentic ensembles like the Sydney Ophicleide Quartet or recordings of Verdi and Wagner operas, ensuring period-accurate tone and intonation in an era of revived early music.